Page 287 of Knox Academy Omnibus
“Is he gone?” he asks.
“This better be important.”
“It is, Batman, I promise. When someone asks me to send someone I trust, it will always be you.”
“Why not your band of merry men?”
I laugh at his comment. No one gets to see this side of Baxter, and it’s a shame really because he may be a super stabby killer, but he is also loyal and funny.
“I trust them with my life, but I trust you to keep the kid safe, and this girl has a Knox issue…or more specifically, a Kalen issue.”
“I think I may have found a new BFF.”
“I wouldn’t dare if I were you. I’ll pair you up with Kalen for every job you do for the rest of your life.”
He barks out a laugh. “Ireallycan’t do it. I’m sorry. I’m indisposed otherwise you know I would. Send Frost or Jasper. They can be trusted.”
“It’s that girl isn’t it?”
“Are you jealous?”
He’s deflecting and that means he’s hiding something. “You know I’m going to find out everything I can about her.”
“Don’t bother, I’ll send you everything I have. It’s an interesting read.”
“You're not going to tell me what’s going on with you are you?”
“No, not unless it’s a direct order, boss lady.”
“I wouldn’t ask that of you.”
We end our call and I dial Frost next since I know Jasper is here today. I’m sure he’s lurking out in the hall somewhere.
“Is everything okay?” he asks in a panic.
I assure him that I’m fine and explain the situation. He agrees to go and get Adrianne and her brother.
Lunch rolls around quickly, and I’m happy to see Elsie is at our usual table. Her face lights up when she spots me coming her way. Jasper lines up to get my food, making a quietly snarky comment about me finally getting an assistant so they can get me lunch. I would do it myself but it’s funnier making him do it. Watching the girls flirt with him while he waits in line and tries to get away as quickly as possible always makes my day better.
I join Elsie at our table. Onyx, Slate and Kalen still sit at their table, and we do join them occasionally, but when Elsie picks ourtable that means she wants to talk. A commotion from their table erupts. Kalen has clearly annoyed Onyx lately.
“Get that shit away from me!” Onyx barks and Kalen laughs, holding his brother in a headlock. I love that his hair has started to grow out and falls across his face.
“Just try it, it’s so good… Amelie! Tell him!” They all look at me and I shake my head at them.
“It’s fairy bread, just take a bite you stubborn asshole.”
I turn my attention back to Elsie who is staring across the room. She’s looking at Marcia.
“We hooked up!” she blurts out.
“What? When? What about Jasper?”
“Over the break. You were gone and one thing led to another… And Jasper, he has secrets…how do you have a relationship with someone like that?”
“As opposed to having a relationship with someone who treated you like shit?”
“Pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?”
